Embedded Files
3.2.3 Contemporary urban environments
3.2.3 Contemporary urban environments
This optional section of our specification focuses on urban growth and change which are seemingly ubiquitous processes and present significant environmental and social challenges for human populations. The section examines these processes and challenges and the issues associated with them, in particular the potential for environmental sustainability and social cohesion. Engaging with these themes in a range of urban settings from contrasting areas of the world affords the opportunity for students to appreciate human diversity and develop awareness and insight into profound questions of opportunity, equity and sustainability. Study of this section offers the opportunity to exercise and develop observation skills, measurement and geospatial mapping skills, together with data manipulation and statistical skills, including those associated with and arising from fieldwork.
3.2.3.1 Urbanisation
3.2.3.1 Urbanisation
Urbanisation and its importance in human affairs.
Global patterns of urbanisation since 1945. QUIZLET TEST
Urbanisation, suburbanisation, QUIZLET TEST
counter-urbanisation, urban resurgence. QUIZLET TEST
The emergence of megacities and world cities and their role in global and regional economies. QUIZLET TEST
Economic, social, technological, political and demographic processes associated with urbanisation and urban growth.
Urban change: deindustrialisation, decentralisation, rise of service economy. QUIZLET TEST
Urban policy and regeneration in Britain since 1979. QUIZLET TEST
CGP pages
CGP pages
158 - 161
Extension articles
Extension articles
- Patterns of urban growth, Guardian Article
- Urban Sprawl and how cities grow: Guardian Article
- UK return to urban living
Revision videos
Revision videos
3.2.3.2 Urban forms
3.2.3.2 Urban forms
Contemporary characteristics of mega/world cities. Urban characteristics in contrasting settings. Physical and human factors in urban forms. Spatial patterns of land use, economic inequality, social segregation and cultural diversity in contrasting urban areas, and the factors that influence them. QUIZLET TEST
New urban landscapes: town centre mixed developments, cultural and heritage quarters, fortress developments, gentrified areas, edge cities. The concept of the post-modern western city. QUIZLET TEST
CGP pages
CGP pages
162 - 162
Extension articles
Extension articles
Revision videos
Revision videos
https://timeforgeography.co.uk/videos_list/cities/fabric-of-globalisation/
3.2.3.3 Social and economic issues associated with urbanisation
3.2.3.3 Social and economic issues associated with urbanisation
Issues associated with economic inequality, social segregation and cultural diversity in contrasting urban areas.
Strategies to manage these issues. QUIZLET TEST
CGP pages
CGP pages
164 - 165
Extension articles
Extension articles
Revision videos
Revision videos
3.2.3.4 Urban climate
3.2.3.4 Urban climate
The impact of urban forms and processes on local climate and weather. QUIZLET TEST
Urban temperatures: the urban heat island effect. Precipitation: frequency and intensity. Fogs and thunderstorms in urban environments. Wind: the effects of urban structures and layout on wind speed, direction and frequency. Air quality: particulate and photo-chemical pollution. QUIZLET TEST
CGP pages
CGP pages
166 - 169
Extension articles
Extension articles
- Urban microclimates - Geofile
- The air that we breathe - Geographical magazine article
- Delhi air pollution - Guardian mp3 file
- World's worst cities for air pollution - Science magazine
- Urban environmental issues - Geofile
Revision videos
Revision videos
- The Urban Heat Island [I] - Snap Revise
- The Urban Heat Island [II] - Snap Revise
- Precipitation & Wind - Snap Revise
- Air Quality - Snap Revise
3.2.3.5 Urban drainage
3.2.3.5 Urban drainage
Urban precipitation, surfaces and catchment characteristics; impacts on drainage basin storage areas; urban water cycle: water movement through urban catchments as measured by hydrographs. QUIZLET TEST
Issues associated with catchment management in urban areas. The development of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). QUIZLET
River restoration and conservation in damaged urban catchments with reference to a specific project. Reasons for and aims of the project; attitudes and contributions of parties involved; project activities and evaluation of project outcomes.
SYNOPTIC link to: Water cycle - [review video]
3.2.3.6 Urban waste and its disposal
3.2.3.6 Urban waste and its disposal
Urban physical waste generation: sources of waste - industrial and commercial activity, personal consumption. Relation of waste components and waste streams to economic characteristics, lifestyles and attitudes. The environmental impacts of alternative approaches to waste disposal: unregulated, recycling, recovery, incineration, burial, submergence and trade. QUIZLET TEST
Comparison of incineration and landfill approaches to waste disposal in relation to a specified urban area. QUIZLET TEST
CGP pages
CGP pages
172 - 173
Extension articles
Extension articles
Teaching resources
Teaching resources
Revision videos
Revision videos
- Urban waste management - Snap Revise
3.2.3.7 Other contemporary urban environmental issues
3.2.3.7 Other contemporary urban environmental issues
Environmental problems in contrasting urban areas: atmospheric pollution, water pollution and dereliction.
Strategies to manage these environmental problems.
CGP pages
CGP pages
174 - 175
Extension articles
Extension articles
Teaching resources
Teaching resources
Revision videos
Revision videos
- Urban Environmental Issues [I] - Snap Revise
- Urban Environmental Issues [II] - Snap Revise
3.2.3.8 Sustainable urban development
3.2.3.8 Sustainable urban development
Impact of urban areas on local and global environments. Ecological footprint of major urban areas. Dimensions of sustainability: natural, physical, social and economic. Nature and features of sustainable cities. Concept of liveability.
Contemporary opportunities and challenges in developing more sustainable cities.
Strategies for developing more sustainable cities.
CGP pages
CGP pages
176- 177
Extension articles
Extension articles
- Ecotowns - Geofile
- Integrated sustainable transport systems - Geofile
3.2.3.9 Case studies
3.2.3.9 Case studies
Case studies of two contrasting urban areas to illustrate and analyse key themes set out above, to include:
- patterns of economic and social well-being
- the nature and impact of physical environmental conditions
with particular reference to the implications for environmental sustainability, the character of the study areas and the experience and attitudes of their populations.
Report abuse